Gran Canaria
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More about Gran Canaria
Information about the region Gran Canaria
Trip Preparation
Latest version edited by Fran Davis
In terms of area, Gran Canaria is the third largest of the Canary Islands. Gran Canaria has a population of nearly 830 000 inhabitants, making it the second most populous in the island group, after
Tenerife. The island's capital is Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which is the largest city in the Canary Islands with a population of more than 380 thousand inhabitants. Each year about 2.8 million
people travel to Gran Canaria, especially the tourist destinations in the south of the island like Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés and San Agustín. Gran Canaria is also a popular tourist destination for
gays.Climate
In the north of the Island the weather is usually hot, but sometimes cloudy. The average temperature ranges between 22 and 26 º C. In the winter it is sometimes rainy and the climate is more humid and warm.
The South has a much dryer climate and sun for almost all of the year making it much hotter than the North. A study by Syracuse University in New York says Palmas de Gran Canaria is the city with the best climate in the world.
Language
The official language is Castilian Spanish.
Country and People
History
Before the conquest of the Spanish in the fifteenth century, the Guanches lived on the island. However, it is not known exactly from when the Guanches populated the island. They lived in caves and round houses built of stone.
It is believed that the name of Gran Canaria from the Latin word "canis", meaning dog, since the island was populated by dogs. It may also come from the Berber tribe of north eastern Africa called the “Canarios.”
On April 29, 1484 the Spanish governor Pedro de Vera announced the end of the war. Since then the island has been part of Spain.
Before the conquest of the Spanish in the fifteenth century, the Guanches lived on the island. However, it is not known exactly from when the Guanches populated the island. They lived in caves and round houses built of stone.
It is believed that the name of Gran Canaria from the Latin word "canis", meaning dog, since the island was populated by dogs. It may also come from the Berber tribe of north eastern Africa called the “Canarios.”
On April 29, 1484 the Spanish governor Pedro de Vera announced the end of the war. Since then the island has been part of Spain.
Getting Around
Airport
The Gran Canaria airport is located in the east of the island, about 18 kms south of the capital Las Palmas and about 25 kms north of Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés and San Agustín.
Public Transport / Infrastructure
Puerto de la Luz, which is in Las Palmas, is the most important port on the island. From there you can take a ferry to Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, La Palma, El Hierro and Madeira. Gran Canaria also has a good system of highways, expressways. There is also a good bus network. In 2001 they will start work on their new rail system.
The Gran Canaria airport is located in the east of the island, about 18 kms south of the capital Las Palmas and about 25 kms north of Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés and San Agustín.
Public Transport / Infrastructure
Puerto de la Luz, which is in Las Palmas, is the most important port on the island. From there you can take a ferry to Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, La Palma, El Hierro and Madeira. Gran Canaria also has a good system of highways, expressways. There is also a good bus network. In 2001 they will start work on their new rail system.
Discover and Enjoy
Latest version edited by Fran Davis
EventsOn the 8th of December the Island celebrates its main festival, the Feast of Nuestra Señora del Pino, who is the patron saint of the island of Gran Canaria. The Island is also famous for its carnival in Las Palmas. Eater is also a big celebration here.
Culinary delights
A typical island specialty “las papas con mojo” is potatoes with gravy. “Las papas son patatas” are the typical potatoes of the island served with a spicy sauce. The chorizo is also something that should not be missed.
Things worth seeing
Gran Canaria is a popular tourist destination, especially due to its beautiful beaches. One of the main beaches of the island is located in Maspalomas, especially famous for its sand dunes. However there is much more to do here than just lying on a beach. Go inland and you will discover beautiful mountains and canyons, with exiting mountain trails. The island capital Las Palmas has two beaches, a large port and a marina. It is worth taking a tour of the port. In the old town, visit the Cathedral of Las Palmas and the Museo Canario. There are also many restaurants in the busy streets. Also Worth visiting, the Parmiter Park which is a botanical garden and a zoo.
